Dale Carder is the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Service. Carder is a native of Excelsior Springs, Mo., and graduated from UCM with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1972. He also holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources from Pepperdine University in California and an Education Specialist in Public Services from UCM.

After a successful career in the U.S. Army where he earned the rank of colonel, Carder returned to the UCM campus in 1991 as chair of the military science program. He held many significant roles while on campus and contributed much to the university as a professor, academic adviser, department chair and administrator. He is a proven problem solver with strong communication skills. With his servant's heart, Carder has had the opportunity to give back in many leadership roles at the local, state and national level.

Retired from UCM in 2011, he currently is president of The Carder Group LLC, where he offers his knowledge to higher education institutions while still serving his community and university.